Precise Information

Are you interested in becoming self-employed in Germany? Then you have come to the right place! This website provides support to both foreign students and academics in Germany, as well as professionals who live abroad, who want to start a business in Germany. We have compiled lots of information to take you, step-by-step, through the process of setting up your business. If you have any questions or don't fully understand something, there are people who you can contact – either by telephone or email – to assist you further.

But first you must help us so that we can provide you with the exact information that you require. After all, the qualifications, administrative procedures and permits for starting up a business differ depending on which country you are from and your residential status in Germany.

Please select the group that best applies to you from the boxes below, as well as your preferred language.

From EU countries

Foreign students / postgraduates from EU countries

You have travelled to Germany to study or to attain a PhD at a university or college, and you are an EU citizen or a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Professionals from non-EU countries living abroad

You live in and hold citizenship for a country that is neither a member of the EU nor the European Economic Area (EEA). You have successfully completed a professional qualification or degree in your home country.

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Refugees

Recognised refugees with one of the following residence permits

You are recognised as a refugee in Germany and hold one of the following residence permits:

Refugees in the process of applying for residency or with a suspension of deportation ("Duldung")

If you are currently in the process of applying for asylum and have a temporary residence permit in line with § 55 of the Asylum Procedure Act (AsylVfG), or if your asylum application was refused and you have a suspension of deportation in line with § 60a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) then you are not permitted to become self-employed. You can, under certain conditions, pursue paid employment; however you are strictly forbidden from becoming self-employed.